Nearly 1,000 students graduated from Biola University today — more than 200 graduate students and more than 750 undergraduate students. Hudson Institute Senior Fellow and leading advocate for religious freedom Paul Marshall delivered the spring 2016 commencement address and received the Biola University Charles W. Colson Conviction and Courage Award.


“Paul Marshall is one of the world’s leading scholars and advocates of religious freedom, not just for Christians but for all persecuted religious groups," said Biola President Barry H. Corey. "He has worked tirelessly to raise awareness and fight for the plight of persecuted religious groups all across the world, and I believe his message for Biola graduates will be timely and galvanizing."

Marshall is the author of more than twenty books on religion and politics, including “Persecuted: The Global Assault on Christians,” and “Blind Spot: When Journalists Don’t Get Religion.”

Philanthropist Roberta Ahmanson presented her long-time friend Marshall with the Colson Award for his courageous leadership for religious freedom.

"Paul's courage and conviction comes out in all kinds of ways," said Ahmanson. " ... It's from Paul I learned the importance of history and that God works through our story."

Today, Marshall spoke about current challenges facing Christians in the world and the importance of resting in the hope of Christ in all things. Marshall gave the address at both ceremonies — graduates at 2 p.m. and undergraduates at 7 p.m, which were also live-streamed.

This year’s undergraduate class is the largest graduating class in Biola’s history. Thirty-six of which were inducted into Biola’s honor society, Epilson Kappa Epsilon, a prestigious award given to students who have excelled in academics and in community involvement during their time at Biola.  


Today also marked the first year that Biola graduated students from its new Master of Professional Accounting Program. Kevin Vandekamp and Mayer Kim both graduated this spring with a MPAcc degree, and have received outstanding job offers with major accounting firms.


Additionally, Biola’s applied psychology department celebrated its first two graduates since the program launched in 2014.


To purchase a DVD, please visit the commencement website.

For more information, please contact Jenna Loumagne at (562) 777-4061, or by email at jenna.loumagne@biola.edu.